ackell



March 22, 1955 J, J, ACKELL AUTOMATIC CONTROL MEANS FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed May 10, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 H QMN v wmm mmw INVENTOR JOSEPH J. ACKELL a c? 0W ATTORNEY March 22, 1955 J cKELL AUTOMATIC CONTROL. MEANS FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 10, 1952 msw hmm

INVENTOR JOSEPH JACKELL WEN 79 AT TORNE Y March 22, 1955 J, ACKELL AUTOMATIC CONTROL MEANS FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 10, 1952 wMm GM WWW mm vmm V 8M1 aw wmml JNVEA-ITOR. JOSEPH J. ACKELL 5 mwm vs cj ATTORNEY March 22, 1955 J. J. ACKELL 2,704,595

AUTOMATIC CONTROL MEANS FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed May 10, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Rm MM m mwm mm M E m m m T m M O m H V m Wm H QM m 1 3% w G R w E J W N m3 Y Gm B :W r [Sm K M x 3m fl Sm Qwm M M QM As 3% NX 3Q ml 3m AAA 0 d Wm kmm wwm .wwm mwm. 9mm. .QQ/ raw q 3m J m March 22, 1955 J, ACKELL AUTOMATIC CONTROL MEANS FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May 10, 1952 F IG. 3

INVENTOR JOSEPH J. ACKELL ATTORNEY March 22, 1955 J. J. ACKELL 2,704,

AUTOMATIC CONTROL MEANS FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed May 10, 1952 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG. 4 2

INVENTOR JOSEPH J. ACKELL ATTORNEY United States Patent AUTOMATIC CONTROL MEANS FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Joseph J. Ackell, Bellaire, N. Y., assignor to Dow Jones & Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application May 10, 1952, Serial No. 287,220

12 Claims. (Cl. 199-18) The present invention relates to line casting machines and more particularly to automatic control means for operating line casting machines without manual operation of keyboards thereon.

A primary object of the invention has been to provide control apparatus responsive to code indications on a punched tape for operating a line casting machine such as, for example, those sold under the trade names of Linotype and Intertype.

Another object of the invention has been to provide control apparatus for automatically operating a line casting machine continuously at its maximum speed.

The punched tape may be prepared locally, for example by means of a keyboard perforator, or it may be prepared by means of a suitable device, such as a receiving reperforator, adapted to respond to electrical impulses received over a transmission line from a distant point. Furthermore a number of punched tapes may be prepared simultaneously so that the line casting machine may be operated continuously at the full efiiciency provided by the control apparatus of the invention. When the punched tape is prepared from electrical impulses received from a distant point, a monitoring device, such as a telegraph page printer, may be used to proofread the material to be printed prior to supplying the tape to the line casting machine control apparatus.

As is well known, a line casting machine is provided with a magazine for matrices corresponding to the different characters and spaces to be cast. The matrices are selectively released by escapements controlled by the ninety keys usually provided in a line casting machine keyboard. A line casting machine is also provided with space bands and means for releasing the same whereby the cast line is given the proper length. Means are also provided whereby the released matrices and space bands are moved into line casting position and, when the line has been cast, the used matrices and space bands are restored to their proper positions in the matrix and space band magazines of the machine.

The perforator or other device for punching the tape should be adapted to produce perforations therein representing, respectively, each of the keys of a line casting machine as well as each of the other externally controllable operations of the machine.

A feature of the invention has been to provide suitable circuits and mechanisms for translating the tape code combinations into corresponding machine operations.

Another feature of the invention has been to provide means for controlling stepping or advancing of the tape in suitably timed relationship relative to the machine operations and for preventing advancing of the tape while an assembled line is being carried to the line casting position.

Still another feature of the invention has been to provide means for automatically operating the line casting machine elevator mechanism.

Other and further objects and features of the invention will appear from the following description.

In accordance with the invention, a line casting machine having a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means and line casting means is operated in accordance with successive code perforations in a punched tape by means of a device comprising a plurality of current responsive matrix releasing members associated with the line casting machine for selectively releasing the matrices from the magazine, a plurality of relays having 2,704,595 Patented Mar. 22, 1955 a plurality of armatures and contacts arranged to provide a plurality of selecting positions affording an individual energizing circuit for each of the current responsive members and each position corresponding to a respective code combination in the punched tape, and analyzing means responsive to each successive code combination in the tape for successively selectively operating the relay contacts and armatures to the selecting positions thereof corresponding to the successive code combinations in the punched tape. In accordance with further features of the invention, means are provided for advancing the punched tape relative to the analyzing means in suitably timed relationship relative to the line casting machine operating speed, for operating the line casting machine elevator mechanism and for preventing operation of the matrix releasing apparatus and the tape advancing means during elevator operation.

The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figs. 1a through 1d, in combination, disclose schematically a circuit arrangement, according to the invention, for controlling the operation of a line casting machine;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a mechanism embodying certain of the mechanical elements shown schematically in Figs. la through 1d;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the mechanism of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a suitable mechanism for actuating the keys of a line casting machine keyboard.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1a through ld thereof, there is shown a circuit arrangement, according to the invention, for controlling a line casting machine in accordance with code perforations provided in a tape 100. Tape is provided with transverse rows of holes, each row representing a character, space or signal and having six code hole positions, providing 128 possible code hole combinations. A different code hole combination is assigned to each character, space or other signal required in the operation of a line casting machine. The tape 100, may, if desired, be prepared by means of a keyboard perforator or a receiving reperforator in the manner commonly employed in the telegraph art. Tape 100 is also provided with feed holes for advancing the tape through a suitable tape reader or analyzer indicated generally at 101.

The mechanical construction of analyzing devices is well known in the art so that only the electrical circuit of the analyzer 101 is illustrated in the drawings. It may, however, be constructed generally in accordance with the teachings of Ackell and Paulding Patent No. 2,017,087 granted October 15, 1935. As shown in Fig. 1, analyzer 101 comprises six movable contacts 1P, 2P, 3F, 4F, 5F and 6F and six stationary contacts 18, 28, 35, 48, 5S and 63 arranged, respectively, to make with a correspondingly numbered one of the movable contacts. The movable contacts are operated by pins (not shown) disposed on the opposite side of the tape therefrom and adjacent respective code hole positions in the tape. When the tape is advanced to a reading position, the pins are urged to pass through the perforations in the tape thereby to close the switches formed by the respective movable and stationary contacts. If the tape is perforated in a particular code hole position, the corresponding pin will pass therethrough and close the associated switch. If the tape is unperforated at a particular code hole position, the corresponding pin will not pass through the tape and the associated switch will remain open. Tape analyzer 101 is also provided with a stepping magnet 102 which serves to step or advance the tape in known manner each time it is energized. After a transverse row of perforations has been read by the pins, as described above, the pins are withdrawn from the tape and magnet 102 is energized (through a circuit to be described hereinafter) to advance the tape so that the succeeding transverse row of perforations is disposed adjacent the pins. If desired, analyzer 101 may be arranged so that the tape is stepped upon deenergization of stepping magnet 102.

Contacts 18 through 68 are connected through resistors 1R through 6R, respectively, to relay coils 1C through 6C, respectively. The free ends of coils 1C through 6C are interconnected and coupled to a negative D. C. bus through a conductor 103. Contacts 1F through 6F are interconnected and coupled to a positive D. C. bus through a conductor 104. It is evident that, when contacts 1F and 18 are made, a circuit will be completed from the positive D. C. bus through conductor 104, contacts 1F and 1S, resistor 1R, coil 1C and conductor 103 to the negative D. C. bus, thus energizing relay coil 1C. Similar energizing circuits for the relay coils 2C through 6C will be completed whenever their associated switches are closed.

A relay coil 7C (Fig. 1d), the energizing circuit for which will be described hereinafter, operates a group of armatures 110 through 150. Relay coil 1C operates a group of armatures 160 through 191, relay coil 6C operates a group of armatures 200 through 215, relay coil C operates a group of armatures 220 through 227, relay coil 4C operates a group of armatures 230 through 233, relay coil 3C operates a pair of armatures 234 and 235 and relay coil 2C operates an armature 236. The above mentioned armatures are in their respective rest positions and made with their respective back contacts when the associated relay coils are deenergized. As shown in the drawings, the rest positions of these armatures are to the left. Upon energization of one or more of relay coils 1C through 7C, the associated armatures are operated to the right and make with their respective front contacts.

A bank of solenoids, indicated generally at 240, is provided for physically operating the externally operable elements of a line casting machine with the exception of the elevator, the upper rail and the lower rail controls. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, a respective solenoid may be provided for each key of the line casting machine for operating the same. The physical operation is not, of course, limited to operation of the keys because other elements of the escapement mechanism can be controlled. For example, in a line casting machine of the type illustrated in U. S. Patent 1,970,567 issued August 21, 1934 to L. M. Potts, a solenoid or similar device might be provided for operating the key levers or one of the other linkage elements between the keys and the matrix escapments.

In the illustrated embodiment, bank 240 is provided with a different solenoid for each key of a 90-key line casting machine, a solenoid for operating the space band release, and a solenoid (add th sp) for operating both the space band release and the thin space key. The

solenoids in bank 240 are designated by the characters on the line casting machine keyboard which they respectively represent. For example, solenoid Th Sp at the extreme left of bank 240 represents a thin space. Energization of solenoid Th Sp, through a circuit to be described hereinafter, causes a thin space matrix to be released from the magazine and assembled in the line being set up. Similarly, energization of the adjacent solenoid t causes a t matrix to be released and assembled in the line.

Directly below solenoid bank 240 in the drawings is a set of 92 contacts numbered 1 to 91. Each of these contacts is connected to a respective solenoid in bank 240. Those solenoids which represent lower case letters, numerals and certain of the punctuation marks and symbols, such as the semicolon, are connected to contacts forming back contacts for respective ones of armatures 110 through 150. Those solenoids which represent upper case letters and certain other punctuation marks and symbols, such as the colon, are connected to contacts forming front contacts for armatures 110 through 150. The contacts connected to the solenoids which represent the various spaces, the space band and certain of the most commonly used punctuation marks. such as the period and comma, are not associated with armatures in the group 110 through 150 but are connected directly to respective ones of contacts in a group 1' through 64. Each of the armatures in the group 110 through 150 is connected to a respective one of the contacts in the group 1' through 64'. Conductors 241, 242, 243. 244 and 245 which are associated, respectively, with an elevator circuit, an upper rail circuit, a lower rail circuit, a shift circuit and an unshift circut to be described hereinafter, are connected, respectively, to contacts 17, 40', 56', 55' and 63' of group 1' through 64'.

When relay coil 7C is energized, armatures 1. 0 ihrough 150 are operated to their respective front contacts, connecting the associated solenoids to respective contacts in group 1' through 64'. When relay coil 7C is deenergized, armatures through return to their respective back contacts, connecting the associated solenoids to respective contacts in group 1' through 64. It is evident that conductors 241 through 245 and those solenoids not associated with armatures in the group controlled by relay coil 7C (armatures 110 through 150) are connected to contacts in group 1 through 64 irrespective of the condition of relay coil 7C. The solenoids associated with the back contacts in group 1 through 91 will be connected to contacts in group 1 through 64' when relay 7C is deenergized while the solenoids associated with the front contacts in group 1 through 91 will be connected to contacts in group 1 through 64' when relay 7C is energized.

The odd numbered contacts in group 1 through 64 form back contacts for armatures in the group through 191 while the even numbered contacts in group 1' through 64 form front contacts for armatures in the group 160 through 191. Armatures 160 through 191 are operated by relay coil 1C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 1F and 18 is closed by the associated pin passing through a code hole in tape 100.

Each of armatures 160 through 191 is connected to a respective contact in a group 1" through 32. The odd numbered contacts in group 1 through 32 form back contacts for armatures 200 through 215, while the even numbered contacts therein form front contacts for aramtures 200 through 215. Armatures 200 through 215 are operated by relay coil 6C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 6F and 68 is closed by the associated pin passing through a code hole in tape 100.

Each of armatures 200 through 215 is connected to a respective one of the contacts in a group 251 through 266. The odd numbered contacts in this latter group form back contacts for respective armatures in the group 220 through 227, while the even numbered contacts therein form front contacts for this latter group of armatures. Armatures 220 through 227 are operated by relay coil 5C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 5F and SS is closed by the associated pin passing through a code hole in tape 100.

Each of armatures 220 through 227 is connected to a respective one of the contacts in a group 271 through 278, the odd numbered contacts of which form back contacts for respective ones of armatures 230 through 233 and the even numbered contacts of which form front contacts for respective ones of armatures 230 through 233. Armatures 230 through 233 are operated by relay coil 4C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 4F and 45 is closed by the associated pin passing through a code hole in tape 100.

Each of armatures 230 through 233 is connected to a respective one of the contacts in a group 281 through 284. Contacts 281 and 283 form back contacts for armatures 234 and 235, respectively, while contacts 282 and 284 form front contacts for armatures 234 and 235, respectively. Armatures 234 and 235 are operated by relay coil 3C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 3F and 35 is closed by the associated pin passing through a code hole in tape 100.

Armatures 234 and 235 are connected, respectively, to contacts 285 and 286 which form, respectively, a back and a front contact for armature 236. Armature 236 is operated by relay coil 2C which is energized when the switch formed by contacts 2F and 28 is closed by the associated pin passing through a code hole in tape 100.

It is evident that connection of the various solenoids in bank 240 and the conductors 241 through 245 to conacts in groups 1 through 91 and 1' through 64' must be correlated with the code employed in preparing tape 100. For example, if the solenoid corresponding to the upper case letter H is to be energized in order that an H matrix may be released from the magazine in the line casting machine, armature 115 must be operated to front contact 14, armature must be made with its back contact 11', armature 202 must be operated to its front contact 6", armature 221 must be made with its back contact 253, armature 230 must be operated to its front contact 272, armature 234 must be made with its back contact 281 and armature 236 must be made with its back contact 285. To achieve these conditions, relay coil 7C must be energized (through a circuit to be described hereinafter), relay coil 1C must be deenergized, relay coil 6C must be energized, relay coil 5C must be deenergized, relay coil 4C must be energized and relay coils 3C and 2C must be deenergized. Since relay coils 1C through 6C are energized when the associated pins pass through code holes in tape 100, the code hole positions corresponding to relay coils 5C, 3C, 2C and must be blocked while the code hole positions corresponding to relay coils 6C and 4C must be open. In other words, a transverse row in tape 100 must have perforations in code hole positions 4 and 6 to represent an upper case H. A row corresponding to an upper case H is illustrated at 100a in Fig. la. In the same manner it will be seen that, in the code required for the circuit illustrated, the small case letter a requires code holes in positions 2 and 3 while the symbol requires code holes in positions 1, 2 and 3. Similarly, the em space requires code holes in positions 1, 2 and 4.

The upper ends of the solenoids in bank 240 are interconnected by a conductor 290 which is in turn connected to the high side of an A. C. line at 291 by a conductor 292. The solenoid ground return paths are completed through the relay circuits described above, each circuit including armature 236, and a pair of normally open contacts 293 and 294. Contacts 293 and 294 are closed when a follower 295 carrying contact 294 is engaged by a lobe portion 296 of a cam 297. When contacts 293 and 294 are closed, as described, the circuit of the solenoid selected by relay coils 10 through 7C is energized, causing the corresponding element of the line casting machine to operate. In addition to the solenoids in bank 240, the circuits associated with conductors 241 through 245 are also closed through contacts 293 and 294 when the associated armatures controlled by coils 1C through 6C are in the proper positions.

As will be described more fully hereinafter, cam 297 is rotated in suitably timed relationship relative to the tape feeding mechanism so that the sensing of a particular set of code hole positions in tape 100 and the corresponding positioning of the armatures controlled by coils 1C through 6C is complete before contacts 293 and 294 are closed. The solenoid and related circuits are thus always closed at contacts 293 and 294 thereby preventing arcing at other points and materially reducing maintenance requirements in the circuits. A capacitor 298 is connected between contacts 293 and 294 to reduce sparking.

After the selected solenoid or other circuit has performed the appropriate operation, cam follower 295 rides off lobe 296, opening contacts 293 and 294. At about the same time a lobe 299 on a cam 300 engages a cam follower 301 thereby closing a pair of normally open contacts 302 and 303. As shown in the drawings, proper timing between cams 297 and 300 is achieved by mounting them on a common shaft 304. Contacts 302 and 303 are included in a stepping magnet energizing circuit extending from the positive D. C. bus through conductor 104, stepping magnet winding 102, a resistor 305, a conductor 306 and contacts 302 and 303 to the negative D. C. bus. Upon closing of this latter circuit, under control of cam 300, stepping magnet 102 is energized and tape 100 is stepped to the next succeeding analyzing position, whereupon the pins read the next set of perforations in tape 100 to set up a new selecting combination. It is evident that when the pins are withdrawn from the tape preparatory to the stepping thereof, the switches formed by respective sets of contacts 1F through 6F and 18 through 68, will be opened, resulting in deenergization of those ones of coils 1C through 6C which were energized by the preceding code combination. As a result, all of the armatures controlled by coils 1C through 60 will be in their rest positions (to the left in the drawings) preparatory to the next selecting operation.

It will be recalled that relay coil 7C, which operates armatures 110 through 150, is not controlled directly by tape 100. The energizing circuit therefor extends from the positive D. C. bus through normally open contact 310 and armature 311 of a relay 312, coil 7C and a resistor 313 to the negative D. C. bus. Accordingly, relay coil 7C will be energized only when relay 312 is energized, at which time contact 310 and armature 311 are closed. Relay 312 is energized when a shift signal code combination in tape 100 is analyzed. In the particular connections illustrated, the shift signal code combination is constituted by perforations in code hole positions 2, 3, 5 and 6, as shown at row 10011 of tape 100. The energizing circuit for relay 312 extends from A. C. line 291 through conductor 292, conductor 290, a resistor 314, opposite terminals 315 and 316 of a rectifying bridge 317, conductor 244, back contact 55' and armature 187, front contact 28 and armature 213 front contact 264 and armature 226 back contact 277 and armature 233, front contact 284 and armature 235, front contact 286 and armature 236 and contacts 293 and 294 to ground. The winding of relay 312 is connected across opposite terminals 318 and 319 of bridge 317 and is energized when A. C. power is applied to terminals 315 and 316. Energization of relay 312 closes contact 310 and armature 311, completing the energizing circuit for relay coil 7C. Energization of coil 7C causes armatures 110 through 150 to operate to their respective front contacts. To prevent release of relay 312 when contacts 293 and 294 are opened, relay 312 locks up through a circuit extending from A. C. line 291 through conductor 292, conductor 290, resistor 314, terminals 315 and 316 of rectifying bridge 317, normally open contact 320 and armature 321 of relay 312 to ground. Once a shift signal code combination has been analyzed and relays 312 and 7C energized, armatures 110 through 150 will remain in their operated or shift positions until an unshift signal code combination in tape is analyzed. Between these signals, only solenoids associated with front contacts of the group 1 through 91 and solenoids connected directly to contacts in the group 1 through 64 can be energized. The unshift signal code combination is constituted by perforations in code hole positions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, as shown in row 1000 of tape 100. When the unshift signal code combination is analyzed the high side of rectifying bridge 317 is grounded, thereby releasing relay 312 and, consequently, releasing relay coil 7C whereby armatures through are returned to their unoperated or unshift positions. This grounding circuit extends from terminal 315 of bridge 317 through conductor 245, back contact 63' and armature 191, front contact 32" and armature 215, front contact 266 and armature 227, front contact 278 and armature 233, front contact 284 and armature 235, front contact 286 and armature 236 and contacts 293 and 294 to ground. Once released by an unshift signal code combination, relays 312 and 7C will remain deenergized until a shift signal code combination is analyzed. During the interval between an unshift signal and a succeeding shift signal, only those solenoids in bank 240 associated with back contacts of the group 1 through 91 and those solenoids connected directly to contacts in the group 1' through 64' can be energized.

The matrices generally employed in line casting machines may be assembled in two line casting positions, generally termed upper rail and lower rail. A plunger 325 (Fig. 1C) is arranged to operate the upper and lower rail shift mechanism of a line casting machine in response to energization of solenoids UR and LR, respectively. One end of the windings of each of solenoids UR and LR are connected together, the junction being coupled to A. C. line 291 through a conductor 326 and conductors 290 and 292. The free end of the winding of upper rail solenoid UR is connected to contact 40' through conductor 242 whereby solenoid UR will be energized upon analysis of a code combination constituted by perforations in code hole positions, 1, 2, 5 and 6. The free end of the winding of lower rail solenoid LR is connected to contact 56' through conductor 243 whereby solenoid LR will be energized upon analysis of a code combination constituted by perforations in code hole positions 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. Plunger 325 remains in upper rail or lower rail position until the lower rail or upper rail solenoid is energized. In order to prevent the preceding matrix from being cast in the wrong position, solenoids UR and LR may be made slow-to-operate or other delay means may be provided. In the alternative, the code combination in tape 100 just before an upper or lower rail combination may be dead, i. e., it may only feed the tape so that no matrix is released.

After a line of desired length has been assembled through selective release of matrices and space bands as hereinbefore described, the assembled line must be moved to line casting position. The assembled line is usually raised from the assembly position by means of a mechanism generally termed an elevator and is then delivered across a horizontal cross delivery member to the casting portion of the line casting machine. In manual operation of a line casting machine, justification of each line is effected by appropriate insertion of spaces and space hands by the operator. Upon complete assembly of the line the operator operates a lever which raises the elevator. When raised, the line of matrices is automatically carried to the casting portion of the machine.

In accordance with the present invention, justification is effected during preparation of the control record by indicating appropriate spaces and space bands thereon. These spaces and space bands are automatically assembled in the line as indicated hereinbefore. in preparing the control record, at the end of each line a code combination corresponding to elevator operation is indicated thereon. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, this combination is constituted by a perforation in code hole position 3. When this combination is analyzed, a circuit is completed from A. C. line 291. through conductors 292 and 290, a solenoid 330, conductor 241, contact 17' and armature 168, contact 9" and armature 204, contact 255 and armature 222, contact 273 and armature 231, contact 282 and armature 234, contact 285 and armature 236 and contacts 293 and 294 to ground. When solenoid 330 is energized, it pulls a pawl 331 to the left, disengaging the same from a tooth 332 on a disc 333. Disc 332 is mounted on a timing shaft 334 which rotates approximately two-thirds of a revolution upon energization of solenoid 330. Before disc 333 and shaft 334 have completed two-thirds of a revolution, the energizing circuit for solenoid 330 is opened at contacts 293 and 294 thereby releasing pawl 331 in sufficient time to engage a second tooth 335 on disc 333. The operation of shaft 334 and its associated disc and earns as well as shaft 304 and its associated cams will be described in greater detail hereinafter in connection with Figs. 2 and 3. A cam 336, also carried on shaft 334, is provided for operating the line casting machine elevator mechanism. For this purpose, a cam follower 337 is arranged to ride on cam 336 and is connected to the elevator mechanism El through suitable linkage Li.

When solenoid 330 is energized, pawl 331 releases tooth 332 and shaft 334 starts to rotate. The configuration of cam 336 is arranged to provide the desired motion of the line casting machine elevator mechanism. During the rotational interval indicated as R, no motion is imparted to cam follower 337 and its associated linkage Li. This interval is provided to permit time for the last matrix to be assembled in the line to reach the assembly position after its release from the magazine. interval and before the shaft 334 is stopped by engagement of pawl 331 with tooth 335, cam 336 causes follower 337 and its associated linkage Li to raise the elevator mechanism El.

manner. The elevator mechanism must then descend in preparation for assembly of the next line. This is achieved by energizing solenoid 330, thereby disengaging pawl 331 and tooth 335 whereby shaft 334 is permitted to rotate until tooth 332 is again engaged by pawl 331. During this latter rotation of shaft 334, cam 336 and follower 337 cause the elevator mechanism El to descend to line assembly position. The energizing circuit for solenoid 330 in the latter operation thereof extends from A. C. line 291 through conductors 292 and 290, solenoid 330. a conductor 241', a normally open pair of contacts 340 and 341. a conductor 342, a pair of normally open contacts 343 and 344 and a conductor 345 to ground. Contact 340 is mounted on a follower 346 which closes contacts 340 and 341 when follower 346 is engaged by a projection 347 on a cam 348. Cam 348 is carried on shaft 334 and is timed relative to disc 337 so that follower 346 is engaged by projection 347 at the same time pawl 331 engages tooth 335. Contacts 343 and 344 are suitably disposed relative to the line casting machine cross delivery member whereby these contacts remain open until the assembled line is completely clear of the elevator apparatus, at which time the contacts are closed. completing the associated energizing circuit for solenoid 330 and permitting a return of the elevator mechanism to the line assembly position thereof.

It is important to prevent stepping of the tape 100 and release of matrices during the intervals that the elevator mechanism is not in the line assembly position posi- After the R The assembled line is then carried to the casting portion of the line casting machine in known tion thereof. For this purpose, a disc 350 is provided on shaft 304. Disc 350 has a tooth 351 which is adapted to be engaged by a pawl 352 to prevent rotation of shaft 304 and hence to prevent the closing of contacts 302 352 may be disengaged from tooth 351 by energization of and 303 in the stepping magnet energizing circuit. Pawl 352 may be disengaged from tooth 351 by energization of a solenoid 353. The energizing circuit for solenoid 353 extends from the positive D. C. bus through conductor 104, a pair of normally closed tight tape contacts 354, a conductor 355, a resistor 356, the winding of solenoid 353, a conductor 357, a pair of normally closed tight line contacts 358, a conductor 359 and a pair of contacts 360 and 361 to the negative D. C. bus. Contact 360 is carried on a follower 362 which is adapted to close contacts 360 and 361 upon engagement by a projection 363 on a cam 364. Cam 364 is carried on shaft 334 and projection 363 is arranged to engage follower 362 only in the shaft position at which pawl 331 engages tooth 332, i. e., only when the elevator mechanism is in the line assembly position thereof. Accordingly, solenoid 353 is energized and pawl 352 disengaged from tooth 351 except during the intervals in which an assembled line is being carried to the casting portion of the line casting machine. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, contacts 360 and 361 may be arranged to close under action of projection 347 of cam 348, thus eliminating a cam on shaft 334.

Contacts 358, which may conveniently be realized as a microswitch, are disposed adjacent the line assembly position of the line casting machine elevator and are arranged to open if too long a line is assembled. When contacts 358 are open, solenoid 353 is deenergized, pawl 352 engages tooth 351 and further stepping of tape 100 is prevented until the line length has been corrected by supervisory personnel.

Contacts 354 are arranged to open when tape 100 becomes tight, indicating some difficulty which will cause tape breakage if stepping thereof is continued. Opening of contacts 354 will release pawl 352 in the same manner as opening of contacts 358.

If desired, a rotary solenoid 370 may be provided on the line casting machine to straighten out the matrices in known manner after assembly but before the elevator commences carrying the same toward the casting portion of the machine. The rotary solenoid 370 is connected to a pair of opposite terminals of a bridge rectifier 371. The other opposite pair of terminals of bridge rectifier 371 is provided with A. C. power through a circuit extending from the high side of the A. C. line through conductor 292, rectifier 371, a conductor 373, a pair of contacts 374 and 375, a conductor 376 and conductor 345 to ground. Contact 375 is mounted on a follower 377 which is arranged to close contacts 374 and 375 upon engagement with a lobe 378 on a cam 379. Cam 379 is carried on shaft 334 and is timed to close contacts 374 and 375 during a portion of the interval R of cam 336, i. e., during the time between disengagement of pawl 331 and tooth 332 and commencement of elevator travel.

Referring now to Figs. 2 and 3, a shaft 400 has affixed thereto at one end thereof a pulley 401. Pulley 401 may be driven from a suitable shaft of a line casting machine by means of a belt 402. Shaft 400 may, if desired, be ro tated through connections to some other source of power suitably timed relative to the line casting machine. Shaft 00 is journaled in bearings 403 and 404 provided in opposite sides of a generally rectangular frame 405. Frame 405 may, if desired, be aifixed to a portion of the frame of a line casting machine. Gears 406 and 407 are afiixed to shaft 400 intermediate bearings 403 and 404.

Gear 406 is arranged to mesh with a gear 408 carried on and rotatable about shaft 304. Power is transmitted from gear 408 to shaft 304 through a friction clutch comprising a pair of discs 409 and 410 mounted on shaft 304 adjacent opposite faces of gear 408. Washers 411 and 412, which may be made of felt or the like, are provided between discs 409 and 410 and the respective adjacent faces of gear 408. Axial movement of near 408 on shaft 304 is prevented by a collar 413 rigidly affixed to shaft 304 adjacent the outer face of disc 409 and by a spring 414 mounted on shaft 304 between the outer face of disc 410 and a collar 415 rigidly affixed to shaft 304. S ring 414 urges discs 409 and 410 and washers 411 and 412 together with a force which may be varied by adjusting the axial location of collar 415. Shaft 304 is journaled in bearings 416 and 417 provided in opposite sides of frame 405.

Cams 297 and 300 and disc 350 are rigidly mounted on shaft 304 outside of frame 405. Lobe portion 296 of cam 297 is arranged to close contacts 293 and 294 by engagement of lobe 296 with follower 295 at the appropriate time in the cycle. Similarly, lobe portion 299 of cam 300 is arranged to close contacts 302 and 303 at the appropriate time in the cycle. Pawl 352, which is arranged to engage tooth 351 of disc 350, is pivotally mounted at one end thereof by means of a pin 420 carried in frame 405. Pawl 352 is urged into engagement with tooth 351 by means of a spring 421 disposed between pawl 352 and a pin 422 carried in frame 405. Solenoid 353, having an armature 423 connected to pawl 352 by means of a link 424, is provided to disengage pawl 352 and tooth 351 as described hereinbefore. When pawl 352 and tooth 351 are engaged, shaft 304 is prevented from rotating. The power delivered to gear 408 during such engagement is dissipated in the friction clutch.

Gear 407 is arranged to mesh with a gear 430 carried on and rotatable about shaft 334. Power is transmitted from gear 430 to shaft 334 through a friction clutch comprising a pair of discs 431 and 432 mounted on shaft 334 adjacent opposite faces of gear 430. A pair of Washers 433 and 434, which may be made of felt or the like, are disposed partially within cyclindrical grooves provided in the opposite faces of gear 430. Washers 433 and 434 are arranged, respectively, between discs 431 and 432 and the adjacent faces of gear 430. The outside face of disc 432 bears against a collar 435 rigidly mounted on shaft 334. A collar 436, rigidly mounted on shaft 334, is provided with a spring member 437 arranged to urge disc 431 axially toward gear 430. Shaft 334 is journaled in bearings 438 and 439 provided in opposite sides of frame 405.

Cams 336 and 379 and discs 333 and 364 are rigidly mounted on shaft 334 outside of frame 405. Projection 362 on disc 364 is arranged to close contacts 360 and 361 and contacts 340 and 341 upon engagement with followers 363 and 346, respectively. Lobe 378 of cam 379 is arranged to close contacts 374 and 375 upon engagement of lobe 378 with follower 377. Cam 336 is shown in engagement with cam follower 337 which is pivotally connected to linkage member Li by means of a pin 445. As described hereinbefore, linkage member Li is arranged to operate the elevator mechanism of a line casting machine.

Tooth 332 of disc 333 is shown in engagement with pawl 331 for preventing rotation of shaft 334. The power transmitted to gear 430 while shaft 334 is blocked is dissipated in the associated friction clutch. Pawl 331 is pivotally connected to frame 405 by means of a pin 445 carried on frame 405. Pawl 331 is urged into engagement with tooth 332 by means of a spring 446 carried on a pin 447 mounted on frame 405. An armature 448 of solenoid 330 is connected to pawl 331 by means of a link 449 for disengaging pawl 331 and tooth 332 upon cnergization of solenoid 330. A screw 450 is provided in frame 405 for limiting upward travel of pawl 331. Upon energization of solenoid 330, pawl 331 is disengaged from tooth 332, permitting shaft 334 to rotate. As described hereinbefore, solenoid 330 is then deenergized so that pawl 331 may engage tooth 335 on disc 333, thus again stopping shaft 334 at the desired point in its rotation. It will be observed that pawls 331 and 352 are provided with projections 331' and 352, respectively, for engaging the associated teeth.

As was indicated hereinbefore, the control apparatus of the invention may conveniently be arranged to operate the keys of a line casting machine keyboard. Suitable apparatus therefor is illustrated in Fig. 4 wherein keys 460 represent keys conventionally provided in a line casting machine keyboard. A case 461, which is suitably aflixed to the line casting machine frame, is provided for housing hollow key actuating solenoids 462. Solenoids 462 correspond to the solenoids in bank 240 (Figs. la-ld) and a solenoid should be provided for each key in the line casting machine keyboard and for the space band control. The latter is not generally formed as a key in the keyboard but is usually adjacent thereto.

Each solenoid is provided with a cylindrical insulating member 463 mounted on the inside thereof for carrying a movable plunger 464. A spring 465 is mounted on the lower end of each plunger 464 for urging the same upward. The insulating members 463 are provided with shoulders 466 for supporting the lower ends of springs 465. When energized, a solenoid 462 draws its plunger 464 downward against the spring pressure to actuate the associated key 460.

A shaft 467, shown in section in Fig. 4, is the elevator rock shaft generally provided on line casting machines. Linkage Li (Figs. 2 and 3) may conveniently be coupled to this shaft through appropriate elements for rocking the same thereby to operate the elevator mechanism.

While the invention has been described in a particular embodiment thereof and in a particular use, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto for obvious modifications thereof will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance with successive code combinations provided in a punched tape, said line casting machine having a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means, line casting means and an elevator mechanism for supplying assembled matrices to said line casting means, said device comprising a plurality of current responsive matrix releasing members one associated with each form of matrix provided in said line casting machine for selectively releasing said matrices from said magazine, current responsive means associated with said line casting machine for operating said elevator mechanism, a plurality of relays having a plurality of armatures and contacts arranged to provide a plurality of selecting positions affording an individual normally open energizing circuit for each of said current responsive members and said current re sponsive means, each of said positions corresponding to a respective code combination in said punched tape, analyzing means responsive to each successive code combination in said punched tape for successively selectively operating said relay contacts and armatures to the select ing positions thereof corresponding to the successive code combinations in said punched tape, means including a stepping magnet for periodically advancing said punched tape whereby successive code combinations therein are periodically analyzed by said analyzing means, said stepping magnet having a normally open energizing circuit, timing means for periodically closing and then opening the energizing circuit for said stepping magnet and subsequently closing and then opening the energizing circuit selected by said relay contacts and armatures in response to analysis of the associated combination in said punched tape at a rate correlated to the operating speed of said line casting machine, and protective means responsive to operation of said elevator mechanism for arresting operation of said timing means during operation of said elevator mechanism, said protective means comprising a shaft released for operation upon sensing of a code combination in said tape signifying operation of said elevator mechanism, means on said shaft for operating said elevator mechanism, and means controlled by the rotation of said shaft for arresting operation of said timing means at the commencement of rotation of said shaft and for resuming the operation of said timing means upon the completion of a revolution of said shaft.

2. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance with successive code combinations provided in a punched tape, said line casting machine having a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means, line casting means and an elevator mechanism for supplying assembled matrices to said line casting means, said device comprising means including a rotary operating element, driving connections for rotating said element and a linkage intercoupling said element and said elevator mechanism for operating said elevator mechanism, releasable means for preventing rotation of said element, means including a solenoid directly connected with said releasable means for releasing said releasable means, a plurality of current responsive matrix releasing members one associated with each form of matrix provided in said line casting machine for selectively releasing said matrices from said magazine, a plurality of relays having a plurality of armatures and contacts arranged to provide a plurality of selecting positions affording an individual energizing circuit for each of said current responsive members and for said solenoid and extending directly to and through the same, each of said positions corresponding to a respective code combination in said punched tape, and analyzing means responsive to each successive code combination in said punched tape for successively selectively operating said relay contacts and armatures to selecting positions thereof corresponding to the successive code combinations in said punched tape.

3. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance with successive code combinations provided in a punched tape, said line casting machine having a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means, line casting means and an elevator mechanism for supplying assembled matrices to said line casting means, said device comprising means including a rotary operating element, driving connections for rotating said element and a linkage intercoupling said element and said elevator mechanism for operating said elevator mechanism, releasable means for preventing rotation of said element, means includin a solenoid directly connected with said releasable means for releasing said releasable means, a plurality of current responsive matrix releasing members one associated with each form of matrix provided in said line casting machine for selectively releasing said matrices from said magazine, a plurality of relays having a plurality of armatures and contacts arranged to provide a plurality of selecting positions affording an individual energizing circuit for each of said current responsive members and for said solenoid and extending directly to and through the same, each of said positions corresponding to a respective code combination in said punched tape, analyzing means responsive to each successive code combinations in said punched tape for successively selectively operating said relay contacts and armatures to the selecting positions thereof corresponding to the successive code combinations in said punched tape, means including a stepping magnet for periodically advancing said punched tape whereby successive code combinations therein are periodically analyzed by said analyzing means, said stepping magnet having a normally open energizing circuit, timing means for periodically closing and then opening the energizing circuit for said stepping magnet and subsequently closing and then opening the energizing circuit selected by said relay contacts and armatures in response to analysis of the associated combination in said punched tape at a rate correlated to the operating speed of said line casting machine, and protective means including a pair of contacts operated by said driving connections for arresting operation of said timing means during operation of said elevator mechanism.

4. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance with successive code combinations provided in a punched tape, said line casting machine having a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means, line casting means and an elevator mechanism for supplying assembled matrices to said line casting means, said device comprising means including a first cam, first driving connections for rotating said first cam and a linkage intercoupling said first cam and said elevator mechanism for operating said elevator mechanism, first releasable means for preventing rotation of said first cam, means including a solenoid for releasing said first releasable means, a plurality of current responsive matrix releasing members one associated with each form of matrix provided in said line casting machine for selectively releasing said matrices from said magazine, a plurality of relays having a plurality of armatures and contacts arranged to provide a plurality of selecting positions affording an individual energizing circuit for each of said current responsive members and for said solenoid. each of said positions corresponding to a respective code combination in said punched tape, analyzing means responsive to each successive code combination in said punched tape for successively selectively operating certain of said relay contacts and armatures from one to another of the selecting positions thereof corresponding to the successive code combinations in said punched tape, means including a stepping magnet for periodically advancing said punched tape whereby successive code combinations therein are periodically analyzed by said analyzing means, said stepping magnet having a normally open energizing circuit, timing means for periodically closing and then opening the energizing circuit for said stepping magnet and subsequently closing and then opening the energizing circuit selected by said relay contacts and armatures in response to analysis of the associated combination in said punched tape at a rate correlated to the operating speed of said line casting machine, said timing means including a second cam, a first pair of contacts operated by said second cam and being included in the circuits selected by said relay armatures and contacts, a third cam, a second pair of contacts operated by said third cam and being included in the energizing circuit for said stepping magnet, second driving connections for operating said second and third cams, and protective means including a fourth cam operated by said first driving connection, a third pair of contacts operated by said fourth cam and controlled by second releasable means associated with said second driving connections and said third pair of contacts for preventing operation of said second and third cams during operation of said elevator mechanism.

5. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance with successive code combinations provided in a punched tape, said line casting machine having a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means and line casting means, said device comprising a plurality of solenoids one associated with each form of matrix provided in said line casting machine for selectively releasing said matrices from said magazine, a first group of armatures and contacts having a plurality of selecting positions each of which corresponds to a respective combination in said tape, a plurality of selecting relays equal to the maximum number of tape perforations in one of said cornbinations for selectively operating certain of the armatures in said first group from one to another of said selecting positions thereof, a second group of armatures and contacts having a plurality of selecting positions, said first and second groups of armatures and contacts upon selective movement into different selecting positions affording an individual energizing circuit extending directly to and through each of said solenoids, analyzing means cooperating with said tape and arranged for selectively energizing said selecting relays in accordance with successive code combinations in said tape thereby selectively to operate the armatures in said first group, a shift relay for operating the armatures in said second group, a normally open energizing circuit for said shift relay, said latter energizing circuit being closed in response to analysis of a first predetermined code combination in said tape, a normally open holding circuit arranged to be closed upon cnergization of said shift relay to maintain energization of said shift relay, a breaking circuit arranged to open said holding circuit and to deenergize said shift relay in response to analysis of a second predetermined code combination in said tape, current responsive stepping means having a normally open energizing circuit and being arranged periodically to advance said tape relative to said analyzing means, and timing means for periodically closing and then opening the energizing circuit for said stepping means and subsequently closing and then opening the circuit selected in response to analysis of the associated combination in said tape.

6. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance with successive code combinations provided in a punched tape, said line casting machine having a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means, line casting means and an elevator mechanism for supplying assembled matrices to said line casting means, said device comprising means for operating said elevator mechanism, a current responsive member for causing operation of said operating means, a plurality of solenoids one associated with each form of matrix provided in said line casting machine for selectively releasing said matrices from said magazine, a first group of armatures and contacts having a plurality of selecting positions each of which corresponds to a respective combination in said tape, a plurality of selecting relays equal t the m ximum number of tape perforations in one of said combinations for selectively operating certain of the rmatures in said first group from one to another of said selecting positi ns thereof, a second group of armatures and contacts having a plurality of selecting positions, said first and second groups of armatures and contacts upon selective movement into different selecting positions affording an individual normally o en energizing circuit for each of said solenoids and for said current responsive member and extending directly to and through the same. analyzing means cooperating with said tape for selectively energizing said selecting relays in accordance with successive code combinations in said tape thereby selectively to operate the armatures in said first group, a shift relay for operating the armatures in said second group, a normally open energizing circuit for said shift relay, said latter energizing circuit being close in response to analysis of a first predetermined code combination in said tape, a normally open holding circuit arranged to be closed upon energization of said shift relay to maintain energization of said shift relay, a breaking circuit arranged to open said holding circuit and to deenergize said shift relay in response to analysis of a second predetermined code combination in said tape, current responsive stepping means having a normally open energizing circuit and being arranged periodically to step said tape relative to said analyzing means, timing means for periodically closing and then opening the energizing circuit for said stepping means and subsequently closing and then opening the circuit selected in response to analysis of the associated combination in said tape, means including the energizing circuit for said current responsive member and being responsive to a third predetermined code combination in said tape for causing the operation of said elevator mechanism and for preventing operation of said timing means during operation of said elevator mechanism.

7. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance With successive code combinations provided in a punched tape, said line casting machine having a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means, line casting means and an elevator mechanism for supplying assembled matrices to said line casting means, said device comprising means including a first cam, first driving connections for rotating said first cam, a linkage intercoupling said first cam and said elevator mechanism for operating said elevator mechanism, first releasable means for preventing rotation of said first cam, means including a releasing solenoid for releasing said first releasable means, a plurality of solenoids one associated with each form of matrix provided in said line casting machine for selectively releasing said matrices from said magazine, a first group of armatures and contacts having a plurality of selecting positions each of which corresponds to a respective combination in said tape, a plurality of selecting relays equal to the maximum number of tape perforations in one of said combinations for selectively operating certain of the armatures in said first group from one to another of said selecting positions thereof, a second group of armatures and contacts having a plurality of selecting positions, said first and second groups of armatures and contacts upon selective movement into different selecting positions affording an individual normally open energizing circuit for each of said solenoids and for said releasing solenoid, analyzing means cooperating with said tape for selectively energizing said selecting relays in accordance with successive code combinations in said tape thereby selectively to operate the armatures in said first group, a shift relay for operating the armatures in said second group, a normally open energizing circuit for said shift relay, said latter energizing circuit being closed in response to analysis of a first predetermined code combination in said tape, a normally open holding circuit arranged to be closed upon energization of said shift relay to maintain energization of said shift relay, a breaking circuit arranged to open said holding circuit and to deenergize said shift relay in response to analysis of a second predetermined code combination in said tape, a current responsive stepping magnet having a normally open energizing circuit and being arranged periodically to step said tape relative to said analyzing means, timing means for periodically closing and then opening the energizing circuit for said stepping means and subsequently closing and then opening the circuit selected in response to analysis of the associated combination in said tape, said timing means including a second cam, a first pair of contacts operated by said second cam and being included in the circuit selected by said first and second groups of armatures, a third cam, a second pair of contacts operated by said third cam and being included in the energizing circuit for said stepping magnet, second driving connections for operating said second and third cams, means including the energizing circuit for said releasing solenoid and being responsive to a third predetermined code combination in said tape for releasing said first releasable means thereby to permit operation of said elevator mechanism, and means for preventing operation of said timing means during operation of said elevator mechanism comprising a fourth cam operated by said first driving connections, a third pair or" contacts operated by said fourth cam, and second releasable means associated with said second driving connections and with said third pair of contacts for preventing operation of said second and third cams during operation of said elevator mechanism.

8. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance with successive code combinations provided in a punched tape, said line casting machine having a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means, line casting means and control means for adjusting the casting position of said matrices, said device comprising a plurality of solenoids one associated with each form of matrix provided in said line casting machine for selectively releasing said matrices from said magazine, a first group of armatures and contacts having a plurality of selecting positions each of which corresponds to a respective combination in said tape, a plurality of selecting relays equal to the maximum number of tape perforations in one of said combinations for selectively operating certain of the armatures in said first group from one to another of said selecting positions thereof, a second group of armatures and contacts having a plurality of selecting positions, said first and second groups of armatures and contacts upon selective movement into different selecting positions affording an individual energizing circuit extending directly to and through each of said solenoids, analyzing means cooperating with said tape for selectively energizing said selecting relays in accordance with successive code combinations in said tape thereby selectively to operate the armatures in said first group, a shift relay for operating the armatures in said second group, a normally open energizing circuit for said shift relay, said latter energizing circuit being closed in response to analysis of a first predetermined code combination in said tape, a normally open holding circuit arranged to be closed upon energization of said shift relay to maintain energization of said shift relay, a breaking circuit arranged to open said holding circuit and to deenergize said shift relay in response to analysis of a second predetermined code combination in said tape, a first current responsive element arranged to operate said control means in response to a third predetermined code combination in said tape thereby to shift the casting positions of matrices from one to another casting position thereof, a second current responsive control element arranged to operate said control means in response to a fourth predetermined code combination in said tape thereby to shift the casting positions of matrices from the latter to the former thereof, current responsive stepping means having a normally open energizing circuit and being arranged periodically to step said tape relative to said analyzing means, and timing means for periodically closing and then opening the energizing circuit for said stepping means and subsequently closing and then opening the circuit selected in response to analysis of the associated combination in said tape.

9. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance with successive code combinations provided in a plunched tape, said line casting machine having a matrix magazine, a space band magazine, matrix and space band assembling means and line casting means, said device comprising a plurality of solenoids one associated With each form of matrix provided in said line easting machine for selectively releasing said matrices and said space bands from said magazines, a first group of armatures and contacts having a plurality of selecting positions each of which corresponds to a respective combination in said tape, a plurality of selecting relays equal to the maximum number of tape perforations in one of said combinations for selectively operating certain of the armatures in said first group from one to another of said selecting positions thereof, a second group of armatures and contacts having a plurality of selecting positions, said first and second groups of armatures and contacts upon selective movement into different selecting positions affording an individual energizing circuit extending directly to and through each of said solenoids, analyzing means cooperating with said tape for selectively energizing said selecting relays in accordance with successive code combinations in said tape thereby selectively to operate the armatures in said first group, a shift relay for operating the armatures in said second group, a normally open energizing circuit for said shift relay, said latter energizing circuit being closed in response to analysis of a first predetermined code combination in said tape, a normally open holding circuit arranged to be closed upon energization of said shift relay to maintain energization of said shift relay, a breaking circuit arranged to open said holding circuit and to deenergize said shift relay in response to analysis of a second predetermined code combination in said tape, current responsive stepping means having a normally open energizing circuit and being arranged periodically to advance said tape relative to said analyzing means, and timing means for periodically closing and then opening the energizing circuit for said stepping means and subsequently closing and then opening the circuit selected in response to analysis of the associated combination in said tape.

10. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance with successive code combinations provided in a punched tape, said line casting machine having a frame, and a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means, line casting means and an elevator mechanism for supplying assembled matrices to said line casting means, said device comprising a plurality of current responsive matrix releasing members one associated with each form of matrix provided in said line casting machine for selectively releasing said matrices from said magazine, said current responsive members being mounted in a frame forming a unitary assembly thereof adapted for attachment to the frame of said line casting machine, current responsive means associated with said line casting machine for operating said elevator mechanism, a plurality of relays having a plurality of armatures and contacts arranged to provide a plurality of selecting positions affording an individual normally open energizing circuit for each of said current responsive members and said current responsive means and extending directly to and through the same, each of said positions corresponding to a respective code combination in said punched tape, analyzing means responsive to each successive code combination in said punched tape for successively selectively operating said relay contacts and armatures to the selecting positions thereof corresponding to the successive code combinations in said punched tape, means including a stepping magnet for periodically advancing said punched tape whereby successive code combinations therein are periodically analyzed by said analyzing means, said stepping magnet having a normally open energizing circuit, timing means for periodically closing and then opening the energizing circuit for said stepping magnet and subsequently closing and then opening the energizing circuit selected by said relay contacts and armatures in response to analysis of the associated combination in said punched tape at a rate correlated to the operating speed of said line casting machine, and protective means controlled directly by said current responsive means for operating said elevator mechanism for arresting operation of said timing means during operation of said elevator mechanism, said timing means and said means for operating said elevator mechanism being mounted in a frame forming a unitary assembly thereof adapted for attachment to the frame of said line casting machine.

11. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance with successive code combinations provided in a punched tape, said line casting machine having a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means, line casting means, and a mechanism for supplying assembled matrices to said line casting means including an elevator and transfer means for shifting said assembled matrices from said elevator to a casting position, said devices comprising a plurality of current responsive matrix releasing members one associated with each form of matrix provided in said line casting machine, a current responsive member on said line casting machine for controlling the operation of said elevator mechanism, a plurality of relays, a plurality of armatures and contacts, said armatures being arranged to be shifted under control of said relays into a plurality of selected positions affording in conjunction with said contacts an individual normally open energizing circuit directly to and through each of said current responsive members, each of said circuits corresponding to a respective code combination in said punched tape, analyzing means responsive to each successive code combination for successively operating selected ones of said relays and their related armatures, means for advancing said tape step by step and for operating said analyzing means at periodic intervals, timing means for controlling the periodic operation of said means for advancing the tape and for operating said analyzing means, means including a shaft intermittently rotatable through one revolution for lifting and then lowering said elevator upon operation of its controlling current responsive member upon the closing of said individual circuit therethrough, means for operating said transfer means when the elevator is in its lifted position, and means driven by said intermittently rotatable shaft for disabling said timing means and arresting the operation of said tape advancing and analyzing means except when said intermittently rotatable shaft is in a predetermined position.

12. A device for operating a line casting machine in accordance with successive code combinations provided in a punched tape, said line casting machine having a matrix magazine, matrix assembling means, line casting means, and a mechanism for supplving assembled matrices to said line casting means including an elevator and transfer means for shifting said assembled matrices from said elevator to a casting position, said device comprising a plurality of current responsive matrix releasing members one associated with each form of matrix provided in said line casting machine. a current responsive member on said line casting machine for contr lling the operation of said elevator mechanism, a plurality of relays, a plurality of armatures and contacts, said armatures being arranged to be shifted under control of said relays into a plurality of selected positions affording in conjunction with said contacts an individual normally open energizing circuit directly to and through each of said current responsive members, each of said circuits corresponding to a respective code combination in said punched tape, analyzing means responsive to each successive code combination for successively operating selected ones of said relays and their related armatures, means for advancing said tape step bv step and for operating said analyzing means at periodic intervals, timing means for controlling the periodic operation of said means for advancing the tape and for operating said analyzing means, means including a shaft intermittently rotatable through one revolution for lifting and then lowering said elevator upon operation of its controlling current responsive member upon the closing of said individual circuit therethrou h, means for operating said transfer means when the elevator is in its lifted osition, said current responsive member for controlling the operation of said elevator enabling only a partial revolution of said intermittently rotatable shaft upon the closing of said individual circuit therethrough under control of said armatures and contacts, means controlled by said transfer means for energizing said current responsive member related to said elevator to enable a completion of said revolution of said intermittently rotatable shaft, and means driven by said intermittently rotatable shaft for disabling said timing means and arresting the operation of said tape advancing and analyzing means except when said intermittently rotatable shaft is in a predetermined position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,970,566 Kleinschmidt Aug. 21, 1934 1,970,567 Potts Aug. 21, 1934 1,996,081 Potts Apr. 2, 1935 2,006,848 Walden July 2, 1935 2,065,274 Good Dec. 22, 1936 2,378,371 Tholstrup June 12, 1945 2,477,011 Skinner July 26, 1949 

